However, Governor Cuomo says the signs have contributed to a $9 billion boost in tourism spending.

On his Facebook page, Hawley said in part, “We have already spent over $25 million in taxpayer money to build and install these signs and now are spending more to repair them after our devastating wind storm. I am calling on the governor to halt the repair and installation of these signs and use that money to repair our roads and infrastructure after the recent storm.”

According to New York State Transportation Commissioner Matt Driscoll, the purchase and installation of signs along state highways advertising tourism in New York cost $5.4 million, nearly five times the amount initially estimated.